Dear World, How Are You?

One of my minibibliomaniacs is a fan of writing letters and so when I read about this book I felt we had to push the boat out and buy it in hardback - and it is such a lovely book to dip in and out of I am really pleased we did.Toby Little came home from school one day at the age of five and a half with a non fiction home reader all about the postal system and how letters travel around the world. Captivated by the physical size of the world and the distance a single letter can travel to communicate something simple between people, Toby decided he would like to write a letter to a person in every country. He wanted to learn more about the world, help people understand each other and make the world a better place. At time of publication at the end of 2015, Toby had written over 560 letters as the project has grown and grown; friendships and lengthy correspondence developing from his first simple wish. He continues writing as he is still discovering connections, thinking of further questions and finding more to explore and learn about the people living in our world.He began his project with the help of his mum. They researched a list of countries using the UN membership as a starting point. His mum posted requests on social media for friends and relatives to suggest recipients around the world who might like to get a letter and write one back. And so began his enormous project.Every letter was sent to a real person who had given their permission via the website they set up ([...]) and Toby wrote a polite, short note which asked a few questions about the country in which the person lived. This book is a selection of the most interesting letters - sent and received - with a brief explanation from Toby's mother. There are some pages of coloured photographs showing some of the most interesting replies, including a pop up book made by some students in the Philippines.This is a book to dip in and out of and we haven't yet read all of it. But already, we have had some conversations about geography, history, sociology and just some very basic observations about the lives of people in different countries - like the people in Kenya who have Zebras wandering along the bottom of their garden!In such a digital age, there is still something special about receiving a letter and making personal contact with someone. Hopefully this book will inspire some letter writing or curiosity about the people and places in our colourful and diverse planet.

A lovely book documenting the determination of a very special little boy.It's amazing to read about something so simple which has touched the lives of so many people, all through the vision of one boy. Not only are the letters lovely to read but its great to see so much enthusiasm for his project from people all over the world.I've actually learned so many things reading this book, I've learned about places that i didn't even know existed! its easy to feel that you've taken the journey with Toby when reading through the letters.

Toby wrote to me in 2013 and I was really impressed with his project ( and handwriting ) and I followed his progress Writing to the World Facebook page. The story behind the very ambitious plan to write to every country in the world and many of the letters are included in this charming and heartwarming book.Well done Toby you are my new favourite author :)

This is such a lovely and fantastic book to read with all ages! This can be a one off read or it can be the basis of an extended literacy project, culminating in children writing their own letters to someone on another country or their favourite celebrities. It makes letter writing more interesting, engaging and fun!

What a fantastic idea for a project, all the family (of grown-ups) enjoyed reading this book. It's not one you read all at once, but a delight to dip into and quite heart-warming to read the replies Toby receives from his questions which in themselves gradually get more interesting as he grows in confidence due to the responses.

Amazing, simply amazing that a 5 year old boy would have the idea let alone the stamina to keep up with the project once it was in full swing!

It was a gift for a retired primary teacher. Arrived very quickly. Very pleased. Look forward to borrowing it!😀

An enchanting book about the world that captivated my two children aged 11 and 13 but also myself.